Malkangiri: In what could pose a major challenge to counter-insurgency operations, Maoists have started using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like drones to counter search operations and raids on their hideouts by security personnel, a report said. The rebels have started using drones to keep a watch on the movement of security personnel. Maoist outfits active in the Bastar region of neighbouring Chhattisgarh have more than 10 drones in their possession. This has raised concern among security personnel in Chhattisgarh and Telangana as the use of technology may make them soft targets of Maoists. The matter came to the fore after security personnel spotted drones flying near their camps in Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur in Chhattisgarh several times in the recent past.
Security watchers say this could pose a major challenge for the security establishment engaged in counter-insurgency operations if enough efforts are not made to address this challenge. Besides, various Maoist outfits operating in Chhattisgarh and Telangana also have drones in their possession. Experts said that as drones are readily available on e-commerce platforms, they can procure the devices and use them to their advantage. The rebels are able to buy drones in the absence of any government policy on their sale and purchase.
Recently, the local police seized a drone camera from CPI (Maoist) couriers near Cherla in Telangana. The accused were identified as Nageswara Rao, Malikarjuna Rao, and Pangulu Umashankar. The breakthrough came during a joint search operation by Cherla police, special party police, and CRPF 141 Battalion personnel at Devanagaram of Cherla mandal in Kothagudem district, Tuesday. This is indicative that Maoists have started using drones to challenge security personnel and thwart an attempt by them to launch a combing operation or raid their hideouts. Moreover, automatic rifles are also reaching the Left-wing rebels, adding to the challenges of the security personnel engaged in antiinsurgency operations.
In November 2022, security forces recovered a US-made weapon following an encounter with Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. Four Maoists were gunned down by security forces in the encounter at Pomra forest under Mirtur police station limits November 26. At least four weapons were recovered in the operation, of which one was a US-made M1 carbine.
